Boston: Bastion of American History

The Boston Skyline

HISTORY

The Puritans named Boston after a town in Lincolnshire, England, honoring their roots by bringing the name to the new world. Boston quickly became an important port for many reasons, some of which include the narrow entrance into the harbor which allowed for easy defense, and the waters were generally ice free all year.

It would take a historian many days to recount the significant events that occurred in Boston and area, many of which forged the nation. A stroll down the Freedom Trail will highlight many of the important scenes of the start and events of the revolution. Another important walk is the Black Heritage Trail, which documents the struggles of African-Americans in the Boston area.

A significant event demonstrating resistance to the British tax law, and ultimately British rule, occurred in 1773: the Boston Tea Party. King George III and the British Parliament allowed British merchants to bring in their tea untaxed, thus undercutting the price of the local merchants. A group known as the ‘Sons of Liberty’ dressed up as Mohawk Indians, jumped on board three of the British shipping vessels, and proceeded to hurl the tea overboard into the harbor. The Tea Party and the Boston Massacre - where British soldiers gunned down five civilians during a scuffle, are believed to have instilled revolutionary thoughts in the colonials.

In the late1700s to the mid-1800s, Boston was booming, both commercially and industrially. Shipbuilding, maritime trading, and textile manufacturing were lucrative ventures. The boom later subsided when much of the manufacturing moved to the South.

	Boston Buildings - Old and New

The Irish Potato Famine in the mid 1800s, brought thousands of Irish immigrants to the Boston area, an influx that the city was unprepared for. The Irish became influential in the social and political fiber of the city, and were later followed by many other immigrants, including those from Italy, Portugal and Turkey. Today, there is no such thing as an archetypical Bostonian: even the distinctive accent has thinned out. Academics, high tech industries, medical research, and tourism are the largest sectors contributing to the economy.

CLIMATE

The weather of Boston is variable: the summers are hot and humid the average high temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and last roughly from June to August. The winter season, November to February, can be quite wet and chilly temperatures average in the early 40s Fahrenheit (Four degrees Celsius). Snow frequently occurs during the winter months. City services effectively deal with snowfall, keeping streets clear to prevent interruption in traffic flow. Spring and autumn are typically the most pleasant in terms of climate, but also the most popular times for visitors. As a rule, be prepared for some rain.

TRANSPORTATION

Boston is often referred to as the ‘walking city’ as many of the key sights are fairly close to each other. An alternative to walking is the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the oldest transportation system in the nation. MBTA offers subway lines (including the Blue Line, the first subway line in the world to go under the sea), commuter rail lines, bus routes, and boat routes. Additionally, taxis are abundant. A note for motorists: driving in Boston can be bewildering, and parking spaces are in short supply. In the inner city areas it is best to walk, or use taxis and transit.

To reach Boston by air, fly into Logan International Airport, situated just across Boston Harbor from the city center. Many major airlines from around the world provide service to this airport, with flights to many major world destinations. Over five bus lines run through the central terminal, providing good interstate and long distance bus service. Amtrak provides rail service to the city: Boston is an important part of Amtrak's corridor service to New York and Washington D.C.

ATTRACTIONS

Boston Common looking towards Downtown

Boston Common

The country’s oldest public park is situated on 48 acres in the heart of the city, and was once the common area for locals to graze their cattle. Later it was the location for public floggings and hangings, and also served as a camp for British soldiers. Today, one can observe children playing in the playground, public gatherings, entertainment, and monuments.

Freedom Trail

To capture the essence of colonial revolutionary Boston, a visit to 16 of the most famous sights in Boston via the Freedom Trail is the place to begin. The roughly three mile (4.8 km) trail takes a minimum of three hours to view, but most people allow extra time in order to further delve into the history the sights have to offer. Included on the trail is the Old State House, where in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony, and where the Boston Massacre occurred. The museum inside the building is of particular interest to history buffs, as it is home to John Hancock’s coat and revolutionary weapons.

	The USS Constitution - "Old Ironsides" - Boston

The last stop of the tour is the USS Constitution, known as "Old Ironsides" because canon balls bounced off the thick wooden walls of its hull in the War of 1812. One can also peek at the grave of Elizabeth Goose, said to be the legendary author Mother Goose, in the Granary Burying Ground. The Freedom Trail is marked with red lines and is easy to follow, thus a self-guided tour should be sufficient. Guided Walking Tours are available, and many trolley tours make stops at the sights.

Boston Duck Tours

The lively tour guides of this roughly 80 minute tour are not outshined by their vehicles: World War II amphibious vehicles that cruise on the street through the various sights and neighborhoods and then slip into the waters for the final portion. The tours are very popular, so it is advisable to get tickets early (they are sold in advance). Dress appropriately, as these are open-air vehicles.

Museum of Science

One day may not be enough for this mammoth science park. The numerous exhibits, the Mugar Omni Theater, and the Charles Hayden Planetarium combine to produce a scientific extravaganza of merit. This attraction is a favorite for families because of the approximately 600 interactive displays.

Museum of Fine Arts

From Egyptian art to contemporary photography, the Museum of Fine Arts offers something of interest to all its visitors. Of particular note is the strong focus on American paintings, featuring exhibits from Fitz Hugh Lane and Martin Johnson Heale. Other collections include European Art to the 1900s, the Art of Oceania, Asian Art and African Art. Additionally, concerts are often held in the courtyard.

Shopping

Shopping in Boston is an experience in itself. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is comprised of Faneuil Hall (originally a public meeting house), Quincy Market, and North and South Market buildings. The marketplace is popular for upscale shopping, window browsing, and pleasant eateries. Newbury Street is renowned for the trendiest shops and cafes, and Copley Place offers a multitude of extravagant stores.

Along with the visits to Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Filene’s, a shopping expedition would not be complete without a stop at Filene’s Basement. Here one can get a wonderful deal on items from the country’s finest stores, as they are marked down until sold. Another area for the provident shopper is Washington Street, where one can purchase everything from jewelry to sports cards.

WORTH A VISIT

Cambridge, directly across from Boston on the Charles River, is home to two of the most renowned universities in the world: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). One feels enlightened simply by gazing on the buildings, as well as exploring their museums and exhibits. Harvard Square is considered quite hip, with a medley of restaurants and shops. Many buskers can be found performing on the streets on warm evenings.

House of Seven Gables, Salem, Mass. Northwest Territories

Approximately 20 miles (32 kms) northeast of Boston is the tranquil community of Salem. Most people immediately conjure up images of rampant witchcraft and horrific punishments for such practices. True, many people were accused of practicing the black arts, and several were subsequently executed as a result of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. However, Salem offers other notable attractions. At the House of Seven Gables, escaping slaves used a stairwell passage to the Underground Railway. The historical house also served as inspiration to Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his famous novel of the same name. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site depicts the strong maritime history of the area. If a look at the eerie side of this hamlet is desired, such sights as the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, and the less factual Museum of Myths and Monsters (devoted to creepy creatures in general) may be in order.

Whether to experience the energy of the city or to explore the history, Boston and its surrounding area offer an experience to suit any ones tastes, regardless of budget, interests, or age.